The Narrowboat

We visited the Narrowboat for our last team meal of 2023 We were warmly welcomed by Jess who was extremely friendly and helpful when asked about the real ales on offer We had pre-ordered our meals and service was extremely fast and organised. Thank you to Kelly who attended our every need and didn't lose patience when drinks were being ordered one at a time ... The food was delicious, piping hot and portions were huge. Every member of our group enjoyed their meal and the evening as a whole. A huge thank you to the Narrowboat team for making our evening very enjoyable We will be returning in 2024

As a group of 22 we had a Xmas gathering on The Narrowboat. The staff were friendly and welcoming and both the food and service were good and enjoyed by the whole group. The only criticism was the temperature on the boat but it was freezing outside and the heaters were on. We all retired to the main bar and sat next to the open fire for coffees. A big thank you to all staff involved for making it an enjoyable event

We weren't staying, just popping in to have a quick afternoon drink on an unseasonably bright Sunday. This place is a real gem. Staff all very friendly, beer well maintained and as a result great. Location, simply lovely. New management team are doing a great job

Those little “customer surprise & delight” moments are the ones that convert us to advocates. Well the Bel & Dragon Hotel in Reading is full of both surprise and delight. This is a little compact bijou hotel next to the river - (a converted boat yard and a beautiful setting in the summer I imagine), but more functional in the cold of February. A handful of rooms attached to a lovely bar and restaurant area with outdoor seating for the brave…. So what were the surprises and delights? 1. I checked in to a perfectly nice room - a little small but well fitted out. However, on popping down to the bar for a meal, one of the team said they had a vacancy in their biggest and best room and as it was vacant, would I like it - no extra charge. The second room was also lovely - and much BIGGER. 2. Fresh milk in the room - not UHT un-openable cartons 3. A wide range of Tea Pigs tea and a fresh coffee machine. 4. Complimentary “stuff” like a small Sloe Gin in the room - well it would be rude not to now wouldn’t it? 5. Proper leaf tea and a strainer for your breakfast tea. 6. The BEST thing. The staff. So keen to engage and be supportive of any request. 7. Oh, and my bar meal was lovely and the service exemplary… If you are ever in Reading and want a meal or need to stay over, I am delighted to highly recommend the Bel & Dragon. They might just surprise and delight you too.

Our evening started off a little bit shaky with some menu items that weren’t available but the team were very responsive and by the end of the evening we had enjoyed some great food. Our server was very attentive as was the gentleman who was possibly the manager. They resolved some of the menu shortages as best as they could and offered our round of margaritas on the house which was much appreciated. The Bel pork selection main was delicious and the bread starter was fresh and tasty. Nice setting and great staff.

Wow what a place on checking in on the hottest day of year the team advised me that we don’t have air conditioning and the room was going to be so hot so could we cancel your booking and refund you unbelievable customer service so honest and forward thinking I did decide to stay Really funky rooms fantastic shower massive comfy bed even a little tipple waiting in the room Amazing location and the best breakfast you could ask for The bar serves amazing food This place is awesome

Great location, superb facilities and lovely finishing touches. All the staff were amazing and the rooms were immaculately clean. Breakfast choices were gorgeous. There is a smaller bedroom which could benefit from better ventilation but despite this bathroom was impressive.

Loved our stay and will definitely return. Beautiful setting. Best breakfast choice, very well cooked. I recommend the Sunday roast too. Staff professional and attentive.  Close to town centre. Building and surrounding area are stunning.  Sitting outside with a waterside view, a heater and an indulgent Irish coffee was a perfect end to the night! Our room was a bit on the small side, but I think that was just luck of the draw as my friends room next door was very spacious. Having said that we were comfortable, room was extremely clean, with high quality complimentaries. So many good things about this stay.

We loved this place! From the comfy bed to the waterside location with outdoor tables to the fabulous food and the unique building with wonderful dining room, we enjoyed it all. If it's a cocktail or an American breakfast you're after, you've come to the right place. The building is sensitively refurbished to retain its original features including stained glass windows and iron girders and original office above. Staff were so pleasant and helpful. Can't wait to go back! Our only complaint was that we couldn't open the window as it had been sealed due to a noisy extractor directly outside, so no room with a view. But facilities great and we loved the complementary sloe gin!